Solar Panel Slide

That is great idea can't wait to see if anyone has done this yet.

Hi Troll, we dont have one of the slide thingy's, but Geoff has just mounted a solar panel above our canopy inbetween the roof racks, which we had custom made and measured for the solar panel when we were setting our new 70 series ute up for the big lap around Oz. He has recessed it down abit, so if we do happen to put something ont he roof racks it will not touch the solar panel.
Geoff has wired it up so it keep the aux battery topped up and whats left will goback into the van while towing.

Troll,

We slide ours out of the custom rack to the side. I fitted poly runners to the panel and C channel to the rack. See it here.

This isn't what you're after but might give some ideas.

We now carry 2 panels, the lower one as shown in the picture, with another one slid in on top of it. The top one is always exposed to the sun and makes a very useful contribution. We slide both out and stand them on the ground when stopped for a few days. The idea of sliding one forward is very good - not only pick up electricity, but create shade too. Performance won't be ideal because it won't be looking directly at the sun, but being continuously exposed should probably compensate.

I couldn't figure a way to both slide out of the side of the rack, and slide forward. Will be very interested in other's ideas on this one.

Cheers

John

Mainey has a nice set up for something similar.